The agent of Athletico Paranaense protege Vitor Roque has confirmed that Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign the 18-year-old this summer.
Roque has attracted the attention of several top European clubs thanks to his recent breakthrough in his homeland, averaging a goal every three games for Paranaense.
Since departing Cruzeiro in April 2022, Roque has amassed 22 goals and nine assists in 66 matches for his current club, including 15 strikes and six assists from 30 games in the 2023 season.
In addition, the 2005-born attacker recently became an Under-20 South American champion with Brazil, netting six goals to take home a share of the Golden Boot with Chelsea's Andrey Santos.
Owing to his prolific exploits at Under-20 level, Roque earned his first senior Brazil cap in a March friendly against Morocco, and he has been courted by Barcelona for some time.
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Arsenal and Chelsea were also thought to be keeping tabs on Roque's development, while a recent report claimed that Manchester United could attempt to hijack his switch to Camp Nou at the last minute.
However, speaking to ge.globo, Roque's representative Andre Cury revealed that his client is bound for Catalonia, having been engaged in dialogue with Barca sporting director Deco for over a year.
"I spoke to Deco about Vitor for almost a year and we finally have an agreement now. We have chosen the best project for Vitor and I thank Barca for their trust," Cury said.
With Roque still under contract at Athletico Paranaense until May 2027, the Brazilian outfit have reportedly negotiated a lucrative package for the striker's sale, and Barca could end up paying as much as €60m (£51.3m) for his services.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barca will pay €30m (£25.63m) upfront, with potentially as much going to Paranaense in future add-ons, one of which is linked to the Ballon d'Or.
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Roque has reportedly agreed to a seven-year contract at Barcelona until 2030, and the striker will remain in Brazil for the next few months before joining Xavi's squad in January 2024.
Roque is set to become Barcelona's fourth signing of the summer window, following Ilkay Gundogan, Inigo Martinez and Mikayil Faye - who will represent the youth team - to Catalonia.
Xavi is still thought to be after another midfielder and new right-back before Barca commence the defence of their La Liga title, and La Blaugrana are said to be closing in on the signing of Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda.
Despite signing Gundogan on a free transfer to replace Sergio Busquets, Barca are reportedly hoping to reinforce their midfield further with the signing of Girona's Oriol Romeu, who spent seven years at Camp Nou between 2004 and 2011 but only made two appearances for the first team.
Ben Knapton
